Nuevo Arenal-La Fortuna : Costa rica

Nuevo Arenal is a quiet village in Northwestern Costa Rica on Lake Arenal and just below the Arenal Volcano National Park. It is leisurely, tropical, in the thick of lovely rain forests, and enjoys the centerpiece of glossy Lake Arenal. Nearby La Fortuna is a regional tourist center with restaurants, hotels, and tourist bureaus. The altitude is about 1500'. Cost of living is low. A health clinic, convenience stores, hotels, bars, and more make this a comfortable place to live. Nicoya is the principal commercial center for the region. Nightlife is active and the wildlife is beautiful. For more about retiring to this beautiful country see our retirement guide to Costa Rica.  Photo of Lake Arenal courtesy of Wikipedia and Gregory Zeier,

There are multiple, small villages which dot the lake in which to live, some of which are gated. Small American-style homes on small lots start at around $100,000.
Around La Fortuna there are many homes and lots for sale in the hills and forests. Townhouses from 2-5 bedrooms tend to range from $135,000 to $235,000, and custom homes can be had starting in the high $200,000's. See active communities by following link at right.

Tourism is very important to the local economy, as is agriculture (cattle and rice).

Average temperatures range from 68 to 88 degrees F.  The province experiences little rain and consistent heat from mid-November to April, resulting in ubiquitous tropical dry forests as a natural adaption to the dry season conditions.

Nuevo Arenal has an active nightlife, and many tourists stop by often to partake in water sports, from fishing to world-class wind surfing. The town has notable German and Italian restaurants and the only fuel station in the area.